Stormraider Keep (A M.E.T.A.L. Campaign)

Looking back and forth from Triserla to Zol'nard, Aurelius holds his tongue to see how this plays out.  If they are silent, he will say, "Absolutely, we place ourselves at your service.  We have no desire to disrupt your lives or lands, but we must rescue our friend.  In addition, we have a small degree of influence at the Summer Court, if this would be of any value to you."

Persuasion (with help) 20

Zol'nard looks from the group, to Triserla, and then back at the group.  He seems a bit uncertain.  After Aurelius speaks up he says, "We have no interest in either Court. Your favor there is meaningless to us."  Triserla meanwhile has walked closer, but it is finally Ranamys who speaks up. "Look, I think Triserla is right, we should at least speak with them." 

Emboldened by Ranamys' words, Triserla addresses the group directly, "What is it exactly that you seek in this forest? That is probably the first important question."

"We seek two things Triserla, a mushroom and an amulet. We need them both to save our friend." Elyria says with a pleading voice. "We will do what is needed to acquire these items." She adds looking up at Zol'nard.

Zol'nard reacts right away when you mention mushrooms. "Mushrooms?  There are mushrooms everywhere.  Why come here for mushrooms?" 

Triserla just shakes her head, a frown on her face. "Zol'nard, if they have come this far, surely they know something."  She then looks at Elyria and steps slowly towards her. "Why do you seek these things? If you are looking for what I think, then it is a powerful magic that you seek to play with.  Powerful and potentially deadly." 

Zol'nard grumbles. "We cannot just allow outsiders to take from the heart of the forest. As for amulets, we know nothing of such a thing." 

Aurelius replies, "The captor of our friend is an Eladrin enchantress.  One of her rivals has promised to aid us in exchange for some of these purple mushrooms.  The Harengon herbalist informed us that it could be used to make potions or spells to dominate the will of others and control their minds.  However, our friend also believes she could make an antidote if we brought her some samples.  So our plan is to keep our promise to the elf woman, but also mitigate the effects of our delivery.

"As to the amulet, it was given to a mortal woman by one of the Eladrin some time ago, and that woman fled here, to the Gwyllinwald, and was never heard from again.  We're not entirely sure what function the amulet serves, but the Eladrin definitely want it back.

"And speaking of the Courts, I recognize that you have no interest in their intrigues, but there might come a day when one or the other decides your forest is ripe for conquest... it would not hurt to have some friendly contact with them, in case you ever need allies, even while maintaining your independence."

Elyria simply nods as Aurelius speaks, looking pleadingly at Zol'nard.

Triserla shakes her head as Aurelius mentions the purple mushrooms.  Zol'nard immediately jumps in, "No! You cannot just take the mushrooms!"  Triserla adds, in a slightly more sympathetic tone, "From what I know, they are very dangerous in the wrong hands.  Yes, they allow others to dominate others.  But such potions also can cause the victim to lose all touch with reality.  And in some cases it can kill." 

Ranamys then jumps into the conversation, "We have seen the Harengon I think studying plants at the borders of the Gwyllinwald.  She seems to be quite knowledgable.  Perhaps having her study these might be worthwhile."

"Fine!" Zol'nard says, though he does not sound happy about it.  "But only if you are able to help us out."  The others seem to nod in agreement. Zol'nard continues on. "There is a ruined tower here in the forest.  It is beyond my memory as to what it even was in the past. But the tower has become a source of aberrations.  We have managed to dispatch a handful of lesser creatures.  But there are other foes somewhere within that broken tower and we are not sure we have the ability to handle it."  He gives the party a wry grin.  "So, if you could remove these aberrations for us, we would consider your request." 

"I would have helped you with these aberrations threatening the forest whether or not you would grant me anything in return Zol'nard, as I see it as my duty to any forest to protect it." Elyria says a somewhat defiantly. "Just tell us how to find this ruined tower and we will cleanse it from anything unnatural."

The paladin nods in assent.  "... and the amulet? What, if anything, do you know of that?  We require both..."

"Well now, amulet..." Zol'nard looks at the others. 

"I have not heard of an amulet before," Triserla says.  Ranamys is also shaking her head, though she looks to Kelhorn.  

Kelhorn says, "I vaguely recall a story of an amulet being brought to the forest.  But we have certainly not seen such a thing in my time.  Possibly it was hidden somewhere near the heart of the forest, if what you are saying is true.  I'm not sure I would be able to help you though."

"We have the means to find it when we collect the mushrooms in the center of the forest once we've dealt with this ruined tower." Elyria says confidently. "Now, how do we get to that tower." She adds, a bit impatiently.

"Of course," Triserla says, I can probably lead you there."  Here she glances briefly over at Zol'nard as though looking for approval.  "Although it is getting late.  You could find a place to camp and it might be best to head there in the morning." (It has been a bit more than 8 hours you have been traveling today since leaving the Harengon village.)

For his part, Zol'nard appears to nod in approval, "Tomorrow would be wise.  And you can accompany them so long as you take care."  

"Fine." Elyria says. "We'll camp back there in that small glade." She adds, looking to Aurelius and Flynt to join her. "Thank you for your hospitality, we will see you in the morning." She simply says to their hosts as she leaves.

Mechanic for Camping - 3 rolls are needed. Anyone can make any of the rolls, but one person per roll.  (So someone can make all of them, or however you think is best.):
- Intelligence (Nature)
- Wisdom (Survival)
- CON Check plus a roll of your hit die (largest if you have more than 1 type) 

You can discuss OOC how you want to do it.

Elyria will take care of the Nature and Survival checks, leaving the Con check for the boys to fight over ;-)
Survival: 10
Nature: 4
Meh :-P

Aurelius' CON check 20 + Hit die roll 3

Flynt gives his signature tip of the hat before doing an about face and following the other two back  to the glade. He helps Aurelius as much as he can.

12. Con  Check

You all setup camp and take your rest.  When each of you awaken, you see that the forest is changed and the clearing is gone.  All of you and your belongings are unchanged, but it seems the forest has.  As you turn you see the vast plain before you.  You are back near where you first entered the forest. 

You have only a minute or two before a hawk flies over to a branch nearby, "Where have you gone?  It appears the forest has shifted on you. Please come back - I will help you if I can."  It is Triserla's voice.

(Continuing into the forest will again require Survival rolls, you have a +5 for the rolls.) 

Aurelius will "help" Elyria with her survival check (mostly by staying out of her way)

(was the long rest completed successfully?)

(Yes, everyone has completed a long rest.)